The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ( IIHS) performs roof strength tests. In that test the Frontier earned the top rating of “Good” because its roof supported over four times the Frontier’s weight before being crushed five inches. The Tacoma was rated two rankings lower at “Marginal.”

Reliability Comparison

The camshafts in the Frontier’s engine are driven by a hardened steel chain, with no maintenance needs. The Tacoma 2.7 DOHC 4 cyl.’s camshafts are driven by a rubber belt that needs periodic replacement. If the Tacoma’s cam drive belt breaks the engine could be severely damaged when the pistons hit the opened valves.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the Frontier has a standard 110 amp alternator. The Tacoma’s standard 80 amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Frontier first among midsize pickups in their 2012 Initial Quality Study. The Tacoma isn’t in the top three.

Engine Comparison

As tested in Motor Trend the Nissan Frontier V6 is faster than the Tacoma V6 (automatics tested):

Frontier

Tacoma

Zero to 60 MPH

7.6 sec

7.8 sec

Fuel Economy and Range Comparison

On the EPA test cycle the Frontier gets better fuel mileage than the Tacoma:

Frontier

Tacoma

4x2

V6/Manual

16 city/22 hwy

16 city/21 hwy

4x4

V6/Manual

16 city/21 hwy

16 city/19 hwy

Brakes and Stopping Comparison

For better stopping power the Frontier’s standard brake rotors are larger than those on the Tacoma:

Frontier

Tacoma

Front Rotors

11.1 inches

10.83 inches

Rear Rotors

11.3 inches

10” drums

The Nissan Frontier has standard four-wheel disc brakes for better stopping power and improved directional control in poor weather. Only rear drums come on the Tacoma. Drums can heat up and make stops longer, especially with antilock brakes which work much harder than conventional brakes.

Tires and Wheels Comparison

For better traction, the Frontier has larger standard tires than the Tacoma (235/75R15 vs. 215/70R15).

Suspension and Handling Comparison

The Frontier Short Bed SL Crew Cab 4x4 handles at .74 G’s, while the Tacoma Short Bed Double Cab 4x4 pulls only .69 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

Chassis Comparison

The Frontier is shorter than the Tacoma, making the Frontier easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces:

Frontier

Tacoma

Extended Cab Standard Bed

205.5 inches

208.1 inches

Crew Cab Short Bed

205.5 inches

208.1 inches

Crew Cab Standard Bed

219.4 inches

221.3 inches

As tested by Car and Driver while cruising at 70 MPH, the interior of the Frontier Short Bed SL Crew Cab 4x4 is quieter than the Tacoma Long Bed Double Cab 4x4 (68 vs. 69 dB).

Cargo Capacity Comparison

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Frontier. The Tacoma doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

To prevent tailgate loss and help secure heavier cargo from theft, the Frontier has a standard tailgate lock cylinder. The Tacoma doesn’t offer a tailgate lock.

The Nissan Frontier’s tailgate uses caliper type latches (like those used for car doors) for smooth, tight closing. The slam bolts on the Toyota’s tailgate aren’t as tight as caliper latches, and they require closing the tailgate with more force, which can eventually damage it.

Ergonomics Comparison

The Frontier’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge – which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The Tacoma does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The Frontier has a lever hand brake in the console, easy to use while keeping both feet free and not impeding entry and exit. The Tacoma has a plunger parking brake, which is released by turning the handle while pressing a button, a much more difficult operation.

The Tacoma Access/Double Cab’s standard power locks don’t automatically lock the doors. The Frontier’s standard doors lock when a certain speed is reached. This is an important feature for occupant safety. Locked doors are proven to open less often in collisions, and they are also effective in preventing crime at traffic lights. (The power lock’s automatic feature may have to be activated by your dealer.)

The Frontier’s variable intermittent wipers have an adjustable delay to allow the driver to choose a setting that best clears the windshield during light rain or mist. The Tacoma’s standard wipers have no intermittent settings at all, so the driver will have to constantly turn them on and off.

The Frontier SL/PRO-4X has a standard automatic headlight on/off feature. When the ignition is on, the headlights automatically turn on at dusk and off after dawn. The Tacoma doesn’t offer automatic headlights.

The Frontier’s standard side window demisters help clear frost or condensation from the side windows in the winter. The Tacoma doesn’t even offer side window demisters, so the driver may have to wipe the windows from the outside to gain side vision.

The Frontier SL’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. The Tacoma doesn’t offer heated side mirrors.

The Frontier (except King Cab/S/SV) offers optional heated front seats, which keep the driver and front passenger extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated seats aren’t available in the Tacoma.

The Frontier offers an optional center folding armrest for the rear passengers. A center armrest helps make rear passengers more comfortable. The Tacoma doesn’t offer a rear seat center armrest.

The Frontier’s optional dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The Tacoma doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

Economic Advantages Comparison

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Frontier is less expensive to operate than the Tacoma because typical repairs cost much less on the Frontier than the Tacoma, including $163 less for a water pump, $42 less for an alternator, $53 less for a starter, $75 less for fuel injection, $298 less for a fuel pump, $131 less for front struts and $601 less for a timing belt/chain.

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